Solar power generation assembly and method for providing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generating modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or other functional benefits of the assembly or system, including display elements, advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow drainage and collection and energy transmission. The assembly or system is modular and may be assembled in a long continuous configuration in which the inclination, width and tilt of the canopy wings may vary of a long distance to maintain substantially consistent energy yields as the assembly or system orientation changes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING ANDPROMOTIONAL SYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODSFOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME,” which is incorporated herein by reference.This application is also related to PCT Application No. ______, entitled“SOLAR POWER GENERATION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filedon the same day as this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly andmethods for providing same. Specifically, the present invention relatesto a solar power generation assembly and method for providing sameinvolving an array of solar generation modules on a dual-inclinestructure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range ofazimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providingfor the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, thecanopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination,structural material and solar module or other material mounted on thesurface.

2. Description of the Related Art

To reduce dependence on fossil fuels (both domestic and imported) andreduce the negative environmental impacts of such fuel emissions, thereis a need to increase the distributed power generation base. Similarly,there is a need to maximize the value and productivity of single-usereal estate to facilitate such things as mounting for PV modules, shadefor cars, shade for outdoor activities and other events and purposes.Complications and limitations associated with rooftop installations makeincorporating solar power generation systems in underutilized openspaces one such means of addressing these needs. This will necessitatean increase of the electrical transmission infrastructure.

Conventional support structures for PV power systems are typicallydesigned such that the module arrays are oriented along a single slopeplane. Several drawbacks of these structures are limited sight linesfrom beneath the structures, avalanching of snow and ice from thesystem, and difficulty of deployment on parking lots that are notideally geographically oriented.

Many arrangements have been proposed, but in general the currentlyavailable support structures for solar power generation do not integratea high level of design aesthetics with multi-functionality and safetyfeatures. A need exists for protective structures/systems that shelterfrom snow, rain, and other precipitation. There is also a need forprotection from excessive heat and UV rays from the sun (e.g. reducingthe “heat island” effect in populated areas, limiting damage to cars,protecting people from the sun).

To both conserve water and minimize the amount of filtration required toreuse captured water, there is a need for systems which collectrainwater/melted snow before it is further polluted by contact withasphalt or other outdoor surfaces.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved solar power generationassembly and methods for providing same.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide the highest value and mostefficient use of solar power generation systems by addressing the needfor systems which provide multiple economic and public benefits (e.g.,high energy yields, shading, alternative fuel stations, chargingstations, outdoor seating, WiFi, electrical outlets, lighting, mediaplacement and other potential revenue sources, public awareness). It istherefore desirable to create multifunctional solar power systems, whichalso provide most, if not all of the aforementioned benefits, and mayalso impact the wide-spread adoption of solar technology by making itsinstallation attractive, simpler, and more accessible to a largersegment of the potential market.

Another object of the invention is to reduce light pollution.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the reclamation ofwater.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the deployment ofelectrical transmission lines, telecommunications lines, cable lines andother networks.

In accomplishing the foregoing and related objects the inventionprovides an improved solar generation assembly and method of providingsame, which combines high energy production, an aesthetically pleasingdesign, protection from the elements, water reclamation, media placementand a plurality of other benefits/features.

The novel system comprises a dual-inclination support structure and anarray of photovoltaic module assemblies mounted on the structure, whichcan achieve high energy yields over a wide range ofazimuths/orientations. Specifically, the individual canopy wings of thedual-incline structure can differ in length, width, angle ofinclination, structural material and solar module or other materialmounted on the surface. The canopy wings may also be pivoted or hingedto enhance the energy generation and/or the other functional benefits ofthe assembly or system. Furthermore, the improved dual-incline supportsystem is modular and may be assembled in a variety of patterns or in along continuous configuration in which the inclination, width and tiltof the canopy wings may vary over a long linear distance to maintainsubstantially consistent energy yields as the system orientation changes(e.g., along a highway).

Present invention differs from prior art because of its dual-inclinestructure and its multiple uses—including advertising,rainwater/precipitation and snow collection, energy transmission, andability to place the solar cells at different angles to improve yields.

In the preferred form the support structure has a decking surface thatboth conceals and protects the wiring assembly and collectsrainwater/precipitation by channeling water which falls through spacingsbetween or around the modules to a gutter or drain. A space existsbetween the decking surface and the solar module array that allows forair ventilation for the modules and housing for electrical wiring,electrical components and/or transmission lines (e.g. high voltageelectrical, cable, fiber optic). This space is enhanced when the deckingsurface is mounted below the purlins.

In another embodiment of the design, the decking may be removed orreplaced by a non-rigid material. In this embodiment, the spacingbetween the solar modules can be sealed with an interstitial gasket tocreate a water-tight surface. Rainwater and other precipitation woulddrain from the edges of the dual-incline surface towards the centraldrainage cavity and gutter.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts and in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D depict various two-dimensional embodiments ofsolar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict various three-dimensional embodiments ofsolar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a three-dimensional embodiment of a solar powergeneration assembly or system according to the invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C depict three-dimensional embodiments of solar powergeneration assemblies or systems illustrating potential array, supportstructure and other elements according to the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a solar power generation assembly orsystem illustrating how water, snow and other elements may be managedaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6K depict various two-dimensional embodiments of solar powergeneration assemblies or systems according to the invention illustratingthe adjustments that may be made according to the invention as a resultof geographic location and orientation/azimuth of the location;

FIGS. 7A-7D and FIGS. 8A-8G depict various three-dimensional embodimentsof solar power generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use ofvarious support structures according to the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9F depict various two-dimensional embodiments of solar powergeneration assemblies or systems illustrating the use of pivots/hingesaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10K depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solarpower generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use ofrotational elements according to the invention;

FIGS. 11A-11C depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solarpower generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of displayelements (e.g., media or decorative) according to the invention;

FIGS. 12A-12F depict various embodiments of an array and array portionsthat can be incorporated into a solar power generation assembly orsystem according to the invention;

FIGS. 13A-13B depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solarpower generation assemblies or systems illustrating the use of lightingelements according to the invention;

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a solar power generation assembly orsystem illustrating the use of charging stations and/or alternative fueldispensing points according to the invention;

FIGS. 15A-15C depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solarpower generation assemblies or systems according to the invention;

FIGS. 16A-16C depict various three-dimensional embodiments of solarpower generation assemblies or systems illustrating the joining of suchassemblies or systems according to the invention;

FIGS. 17A-17F, FIGS. 18A-18D, FIGS. 19A-19D, FIGS. 20A-20E and FIGS.21A-21D depict various patterns of coverage or layout or groupings forsolar power generation assemblies or systems according to the invention;

FIG. 22 depicts a simplified system view of various patterns of coverageor layout or groupings for solar power generation assemblies or systemsillustrating how various locations or facilities can be linked accordingto the invention; and

FIG. 23 depicts a descriptive flow diagram of one embodiment of a methodfor creation of and a system for operation of a solar power generationassembly or system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respectto the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words“connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemesdo not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but may alsoinclude connections through mediate elements or devices.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate the basic components of asolar power generating assembly or system 100 that is the subject of theinvention. Solar power generating assembly or system 100 comprises oneor more support structure 107 to or on which canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102 are attached or disposed, directly or indirectly.Disposed between canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing 102 is a drainagecavity 121 through which water, ice, melting snow and other elements canpass and subsequently drop into gutter 117. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A,1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B and 2C, canopy wing A and/or canopy wing B can becurved or flat and with or without PV material. The assembly or system100 may or may not be connected to the public electrical grid or may beconnected directly to the owner's electrical system or may be used topower elements connected directly to the assembly or system 100.Assembly or system 100 may be located in open areas, parks, sidewalks,parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, parks, campuses, watersheds,reservoirs, canals, gathering places for education and/or entertainment,areas that facilitate: roller-skating, ice skating, car shows, horseriding, housing the homeless, soccer matches, tennis matches, concerts,lightshows, fitness, transportation nodes, and other uses.

Each canopy wing A 101 or canopy wing B 102 is comprised of one or moretransverse supports 110 which are attached to purlins 112 and may or maynot also include decking or membrane 118. Each canopy wing A 101 orcanopy wing B 102 is also comprised of array support structure 114 towhich array 113 is attached. Each array 113 may consist of one or morearray portions 122 which may be energy producing (photovoltaic orother), decorative or signage (for advertising or design purposes, asillustrated in, for example, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONALSYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODS FORMANUFACTURING THE SAME” and related U.S. application Ser. No. ______ andPCT Application No. ______, both entitled “SOLAR POWER GENERATIONDISPLAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filed on the same dayas this application) or other (water capture, lighting, heating element,etc.). The array 113 may consist of photovoltaic modules, photovoltaicthin film or any other energy producing material, or may also consist ofdecorative modules which are transparent or translucent, with or withoutdecorative designs. Photovoltaic elements may be made of monocrystallinesilicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon,copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), thin film, or any otherphotovoltaic technology. The array 113 may also be a passive or activesolar thermal system. Array portions 122 in array 113 may also includelighting or heating elements, solar thermal elements, and may include awide range of structures including pumps, water storage containers andother elements for water collection and drainage. Array portions mayalso include structures for fans, pumps, tubing, elements for coolingsuch as spray misters, fans, skylights, antennas, cellular repeaters,illuminated panels, phosphorescent or similar panels to provide passivenighttime illumination, and other structures as may be suitable anddesired. Array portions may also include signage, inverters, combinerboxes, sub-combiner boxes, direct current shutoff boxes, junction boxes,acoustical control panels, hydrogen production and/or storage devices.Array 113 may also include heating and cooling elements. Array portions122 may be individually attached to array support 114 or connected toeach other using a bonding material, gasket or other device ininter-portion gap 120. The decking or membrane 118 may be constructed ofsteel, aluminum, plastic, canvas or other material. In addition, thedecking or membrane 118 may be one piece or several, and may be attachedto the bottom, top or any other part of the purlins 112.

The decking or membrane 118 captures water, ice, snow and other elementsand distributes them into the drainage cavity 121, for subsequentcollection into gutter 117 and then further disposition as shown in FIG.5. In addition, the decking or membrane 118 provides shade to cars,pedestrians and other users of the assembly or system 100. In warmerclimates it may be possible to generate revenue by selling access to theshade provided by the decking or membrane 118. The transverse supports110 which comprise part of canopy wing A 101 are inclined at canopy wingincline angle A 105, and the transverse supports 110 which comprise partof canopy wing B 102 are inclined at canopy wing B incline angle B 106.The purlins 112 and transverse supports 110 may be of steel, aluminum orother structurally appropriate materials. Incline angles 105 and 106 maybe the same or different and are typically adjusted to improve theenergy yield of the assembly or system 100 subject to the location ofthe installation site, the orientation of the installation, customerpreferences, local zoning limitations, structural considerations, andother conditions which may exist at the installation site. In addition,the ability to adjust incline angles 105 and 106 provides for bettersight-lines and less limitation of visibility than a single-inclinesystem of equivalent size, thereby further enhancing the aesthetics ofthe installation. Inclined canopy wings also facilitate theself-cleaning of the array 113 with ambient moisture.

The transverse supports 110, which may or may not comprise part ofcanopy wing A 101, are of length L1 and the transverse supports 110which may or may not comprise part of canopy wing B 102 are of lengthL2. Array 113, which is disposed directly or indirectly on canopy wing A101, has a length L3, and the array 113, which is disposed directly orindirectly on canopy wing B 102 has a length L4. Lengths L1 and L2 andlengths L3 and L4 may be equal or different and are typically adjustedto improve the energy yield of the of the assembly or system 100 subjectto the location of the installation site, the orientation of theinstallation, customer preferences, local zoning limitations, structuralconsiderations, the incline angles 105 and 106, and other conditionsthat may exist at the installation site.

Each canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 also may be comprised ofmultiple cavities 111 between the array support 114 and the decking ormembrane 118 which allows for the circulation of air 123 to facilitatethe cooling of the array 113, which may increases the performance of thearray 113 where, for example, the array consists of a type ofphotovoltaic material which typically declines in output as thetemperature of the material increases. In addition, inter-portion gap120 also allows for the circulation of air 123 from and between cavities111 and the general environment in which assembly or system 100 isplaced.

Cavities 111 may or may not contain cavity elements 115 which may beused for high- or low-voltage transmission lines, cable lines,telecommunications lines, fiber optic lines, internet systems, conduits,and other distribution systems or transmission lines, which also benefitfrom cooling provided by the circulation of air 123. Cavity elements 115may rest inside cavity 111, be attached to purlins 112, and may also beattached to transverse supports 110. In the case where there is nodecking or membrane 118, the cavity elements 115 would be attached tothe transverse supports 110, the decking or membrane 118, or otherappropriate element. Cavity elements 115 may or may not be connected tolocal telephone, cable, electrical or other networks in order tofacilitate the distribution of and access to electricity, telephony,internet access, television or other services. Cavities 111 may alsocontain inverters and combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes, and/orjunction boxes 125. In addition, inverters and/or combiner boxes,sub-combiner boxes and/or junction boxes may rest inside cavity 111, beattached to purlins 112, and may also be attached to transverse supports110. In the case where there is no decking or membrane 118, theinverters and/or combiner boxes, sub-combiner boxes and/or junctionboxes would be attached to the transverse supports 110, the decking ormembrane 118, or other appropriate element. Each canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102 also may be comprised of outer cavity 119 whichprimarily serves to further ventilate array 113 and may also containcavity elements 115. Fascia 116, which may be of aluminum compositematerial, other metal or other materials, provides a partial enclosureto outer cavity 119 while still allowing for the circulation of air 123.Fascia 116 may or may not include design or display elements,advertising indicia, lighting, heating or other elements, and may or maynot be partially perforated to increase air circulation.

Support structure 107 may consist of a vertical support column 124 andfurther consist of or be disposed on or supported by foundation pier108, which may consist of or be disposed on or supported by foundationfooting 109. Both the foundation pier 108 and the foundation footing 109may be made of concrete or other adequate foundation material subject tolocal requirements, structural considerations, seismic considerations,and other requirements and preferences, and may also consist oftransverse support 110 which may be connected directly or indirectly toboth canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 (as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 1B and 1C) or only to one of canopy wing A 101 orcanopy wing B 102.

FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 that hasvertical support structure 124 attached only to the transverse support110, which is part of canopy wing B 102.

FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 that has acentrally located support structure 107 and in which the transversesupports 110 are contained between the decking or membrane 114 and thearray 113.

FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100, whichcomprises a canopy wing A 101 which may or may not have energy producingsurfaces and is curved to facilitate the capture of water, snow, ice andother elements as they accumulate from canopy wing B 102. In thisembodiment, canopy wing A 101 may be constructed from an energyproducing material such as thin-film photovoltaic material, or may havedisposed on it an array 113 which has energy producing elements. Inaddition, the energy producing material on canopy wing A 101 may be onboth sides of the element to increase energy production. As with allembodiments of canopy wings A and B (101, 102), the canopy wing A 101and/or canopy wing B 102 may or may not include heating elements. Inthis embodiment, the inclusion of heating elements in canopy wing A 101could facilitate the melting of ice and snow for capture in drainagecavity 121.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, canopy wing A 101 and canopywing B 102 are of equal length from the drainage cavity 121 to the edge.The vertical support structure 124 supports the transverse supports 110and are disposed on, directly or indirectly, foundation pier 108 andfoundation footing 109. The foundation pier 108 and foundation footing109 may be made of concrete or any material which meets the structural,seismic and local code requirements of the site where the system is tobe installed. The vertical support structure 124 may be steel or anyanother structural material with adequate properties and may also be ofdifferent heights. Canopy wing A incline angle 105 and canopy wing Bincline angle 106 are the same, as are the canopy wing lengths L1 andL2. In this embodiment the array 113 consists of photovoltaic (PV)modules so that the assembly or system 100 also acts as a source ofelectricity. The electricity can be used for a variety of purposesincluding being transformed into alternating current and feeding thecommercial electrical grid, powering lighting (elements 1301-1306) orheating elements, charging batteries and dispensing alternative fuels(elements 1401-1404), powering electrical outlets (element 1503),powering a charging station or alternative fuel station (FIG. 14).

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102 are of different lengths L1 and L2 from the drainagecavity 121 to the edge. The vertical support structure 124 is mounted onfoundation piers 108 and foundation footings 109 and the transversesupports 110 are both supported by vertical support structure 124. Thearray 113 may consist of multiple array portions 122 which may beenergy-producing, decorative, light-generating, or allow for other uses.The array 113 may consist of photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic thinfilm or any other energy producing material, or may also consist ofdecorative modules which are transparent or translucent, with or withoutdecorative designs. Photovoltaic elements may be made of monocrystallinesilicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon,copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), thin film, or any otherphotovoltaic technology. The array 113 may also be a passive or activesolar thermal system. Array portions 122 in array 113 may also includelighting or heating elements, or solar thermal elements, and may includea wide range of structures including pumps, water storage containers andother elements for water collection and drainage. Array portions mayalso include structures for fans, pumps, tubing, elements for coolingsuch as spray misters, fans, skylights, antennas, cellular repeaters,illuminated panels, phosphorescent or similar panels to provide passivenighttime illumination, and other structures as may be suitable anddesired. Array portions may also include signage, inverters, acousticalcontrol panels, hydrogen production and storage devices. Array 113 mayalso include heating and cooling elements.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102 are of different lengths L1 and L2 from the drainagecavity 121 to the edge. The vertical support structure 124 is mounted onfoundation piers 108 and foundation footings 109 and one set oftransverse supports 110 is supported by vertical support structure 124.

All of the embodiments may include foundation pier 108, and may includefoundation footing 109, subject to the requirements of the installationsite.

FIG. 3 illustrates an another embodiment of the assembly or system 100with symmetrical canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 emphasizingthat transverse supports 110 may be adjusted in size to suit therequirements of the array 113.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system 100with two vertical support structures 124 and consisting of array 113,which may include different array portions 122.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system 100 inorder to show the purlins 112 are above the decking or membrane 118. Itis this system design choice which creates the cavity 111 thatfacilitates the airflow 123 under the array 113 helping to keep it cool.In addition, cavity 111 is where the other elements such as rain,melting snow and other elements travel towards the drainage cavity 121.Inbound electricity 401 may be alternating- or direct-current dependingon which elements require power, and outbound electricity 402 may bealternating- or direct-current depending on the power generated by theassembly or system 100 and what is excess beyond the needs of the systemitself and can therefore be fed to the client or owner or into theelectrical grid, and whether a direct- to alternating-currenttransformer is included as part of assembly or system 100. Outboundelectricity 402 may or may not be connected to the public electricalgrid or may be connected directly to the owner's electrical system ormay be used to power elements connected directly to the assembly orsystem 100.

FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system 100with two supports 107 consisting of vertical supports 124 joined tocurved transverse supports 110, and wire chase 403 which may or may notcontain electrical or other elements and conduits. Canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102 are not of equal size. Canopy wing B 102 is curved tofacilitate the capture of water, snow, ice and other elements as theyaccumulate from canopy wing A 101. In this embodiment, canopy wing B 102may be constructed from an energy producing material such as thin-filmphotovoltaic material, or may have disposed on it an array 113 which hasenergy producing elements. In addition, the energy producing material oncanopy wing B 102 may be on both sides of the element to increase energyproduction. As with all embodiments of canopy wings A and B (101, 102),the canopy wing A 101 and/or canopy wing B 102 may or may not includeheating elements. In this embodiment, the inclusion of heating elementsin canopy wing B 102 could facilitate the melting of ice and snow forcapture in drainage cavity 121.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the assembly or system 100 todemonstrate how water, snow and other elements 501 travel under thearray 113 towards the drainage cavity 121 and then into gutter 117 whichthen feeds into downspout 502. Downspout 502 may drain at or near groundlevel 503 or underground, or may feed water pipe 504 which may or maynot connect to a cistern or other storage or filtration container orsystem 505. The cistern or other storage or filtration container orsystem 505 may be used to store and disburse water for greywater usesincluding irrigation and toilet flushing, or it may be filtered togenerate potable water. If there is no storage or filtration container505, then the water collected via downspout 502 and water pipe 504 mayfeed directly into the local greywater system or be used for localirrigation or similar use. Downspout 502 may be located inside oradjacent to each vertical support 124 or the assembly or system 100 maybe designed to contain multiple vertical supports 124 and only onedownspout 502. Using one downspout 502 for an assembly or system 100with multiple vertical supports 124 reduces the trenching and groundworkrequired upon installation

FIGS. 6C, 6F and 6I illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system 100where canopy wing A incline angle 105 is not equal to canopy wing Bincline angle 106, canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 are differentlengths L1 and L2 and vertical support structure 124 supports thetransverse supports 110 under both wings.

FIGS. 6D, 6G and 6J illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system 100where canopy wing A incline angle 105 is not equal to canopy wing Bincline angle 106, canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 are differentlengths L1 and L2 and vertical support structure 124 supports thetransverse supports 110 under either canopy wing A 101 or canopy wing B102, but not both.

In all cases, the wing lengths L1 and L2 and the angles of inclination105 and 106 may be adjusted depending on the geographic location of theparking area 600 and the specific orientation/azimuth 601 of the parkingspaces 602 in order to improve the energy output of the assembly orsystem 100 and to meet any client, zoning, or other requirements. FIGS.6B, 6E, 6H, and 6K illustrate different potential parking lotorientations 601. FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the assembly orsystem 100 where canopy wing A incline angle 105 and canopy wing Bincline angle 106 are equal, and canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102are of equal lengths L1 and L2. FIGS. 6A, 6C, 6D, 6F, 6G, 6I, and 6Jillustrate different embodiments of the assembly or system 100, whichvary as the azimuth 601 of the parking lot 600 varies. The azimuth 601determines the orientation of the canopy wings (101, 102). For example,in FIG. 6H the azimuth runs from NE(45°) to SW(225°) therefore allcanopy wings A 101 will face NW typically at the minimum inclination of1° so that water will flow to the drainage cavity 121 and the canopywings B will be tilted at 15° which is a sufficiently steep incline toincrease energy production without significantly impacting engineeringand manufacturing costs. Data from PV Watts 1 (a calculator developed todetermine the energy production of photovoltaic systems in differentgeographic locations subject to their orientation and inclination) ispresented below in TABLE 1 for the NE/SW azimuths if they were locatedin Newark, N.J. The system size of each canopy wing A, B (101,102) is100 kilowatts.

TABLE 1 NE-Facing Panel (45°) SW-Facing Panel (225°) Canopy Wing CanopyWing AC Inclination AC Inclination kWh/year Angle kWh/year Angle 100,622 0° 100,622  0° 99,961  1° 101,337  1° 99,281  2° 102,030  2° 98,580  3°102,702  3° 97,858  4° 103,351  4° 97,127  5° 103,969  5° 96,371  6°104,558  6° 95,580  7° 105,120  7° 94,758  8° 105,646  8° 93,922  9°106,141  9° 93,077 10° 106,610 10° 92,216 11° 107,053 11° 91,340 12°107,470 12° 90,446 13° 107,859 13° 89,542 14° 108,226 14° 88,623 15°108,569 15° Source: PV Watts 1, using system size 100 kilowatts, 0.77derate factor and varying inclination angle. Panel azimuths are NE (45°)and SW (225°).

In further explanation of the benefits of inclining the canopy wings A,B (101, 102) Tables 2A, 2B and 2C are presented showing the improvementin yield of an assembly or system 100 with equal sized canopy wings A, B(101, 102) and canopy wing A incline 105 and canopy wing B incline 106,and also another assembly or system 100 with canopy wing A 101supporting an array 113 of PV panels three times the area of an array113 on canopy wing B 102 and canopy wing A incline 105 and canopy wing Bincline 106, and also another assembly or system 100 with equal sizedcanopy wings A, B (101, 102) and canopy wing A incline 105 and canopywing B incline 106. For reference, the system outputs of the precedingsystems 100 are compared to the output of an assembly or system 100where the canopy wing incline angles (105, 106) are both zero. Data ispresented for three different geographic locations: Los Angeles, Calif.(Table 2A), Newark, N.J. (Table 2B) and Raleigh, N.C. (Table 2C).

TABLE 2A Overall Summary for Los Angeles, CA using PV Watts 1 Comparisonof Equal size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing sizewith custom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equalsize canopy wings laid flat Canopy Wing System Azimuths 601 AnglesProduction NORTH (0°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % SOUTH (180°) (N/S)(kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/15° 135,375 6,091   4.7% AsymmetricalWings 3:1 1°/15° 138,956 9,672   7.5% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  129,111  (174) −0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0°  129,284    0   0.0% Canopy Wing SystemAzimuths 601 Angles Production EAST (90°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh %WEST (270°) (E/W) (kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/7° 129,699 415   0.3%Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 1°/7° 129,984 700   0.5% Standard 5/5 5°/5°129,167 (118) −0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0° 129,284  0   0.0% Canopy Wing SystemAngles Production Azimuths 601 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % NW (315°)/SE(135°) (NW/SE) (kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/15° 132,350 3,066   2.4%Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 1°/15° 134,183 4,899   3.8% Standard 5/5 5°/5° 129,165    0 −0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0°  129,284   (120)   0.0% Canopy WingSystem Angles Production Azimuths 601 Angles AC/year kWh % NE (45°)/SW(225°) (NE/SW) (kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/15° 134,167 4,883   3.8%Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 1°/15° 137,054 7,770   6.0% Standard 5/5 5°/5° 129,120   (164) −0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0°  129,284    0   0.0%

TABLE 2B Overall Summary for Newark, NJ using PV Watts 1 Comparison ofEqual size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing size withcustom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equal sizecanopy wings laid flat Canopy Wing System Azimuths 601 Angles ProductionNORTH (0°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % SOUTH (180°) (N/S) (kWh) gain GainEqual Wings 1°/15° 106,303 5,681   5.6% Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 1°/15°109,631 9,009   9.0% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  100,488   (135) −0.1% Flat/Flat0°/0°  100,622    0   0.0% Canopy Wing System Azimuths 601 AnglesProduction EAST (90°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % WEST (270°) (E/W) (kWh)gain Gain Equal Wings 4°/1° 100,676 54   0.1% Asymmetrical Wings 3:14°/1° 100,704 82   0.1% Standard 5/5 5°/5° 100,564 (58) −0.1% Flat/Flat0°/0° 100,622  0   0.0% Canopy Wing System Angles Production Azimuths601 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % NW (315°)/SE (135°) (NW/SE) (kWh) gainGain Equal Wings 1°/15° 104,471 3,849   3.8% Asymmetrical Wings 3:11°/15° 106,746 6,124   6.1% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  100,498   (124) −0.1%Flat/Flat 0°/0°  100,622    0   0.0% Canopy Wing System AnglesProduction Azimuths 601 Angles AC/year kWh % NE (45°)/SW (225°) (NE/SW)(kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/15° 104,265 3,643   3.6% AsymmetricalWings 3:1 1°/15° 106,417 5,795   5.8% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  100,548   (74)−0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0°  100,622    0   0.0%

TABLE 2C Overall Summary for Raleigh, NC using PV Watts 1 Comparison ofEqual size canopy wings with custom inclines, 3:1 canopy wing size withcustom inclines, equal canopy wing size with 5° inclines, and equal sizecanopy wings laid flat Canopy Wing System Azimuths 601 Angles ProductionNORTH (0°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % SOUTH (180°) (N/S) (kWh) gain GainEqual Wings 1°/15° 120,007 5,574   4.9% Asymmetrical Wings 3:1 1°/15°123,284 8,851   7.7% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  114,290   (143) −0.1% Flat/Flat0°/0°  114,433    0   0.0% Canopy Wing System Azimuths 601 AnglesProduction EAST (90°)/ 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % WEST (270°) (E/W) (kWh)gain Gain Equal Wings 2°/2° 114,494 61   0.1% Asymmetrical Wings 3:12°/2° 114,510 77   0.1% Standard 5/5 5°/5° 114,371 (62) −0.1% Flat/Flat0°/0° 114,433  0   0.0% Canopy Wing System Angles Production Azimuths601 105 and 106 AC/year kWh % NW (315°)/SE (135°) (NW/SE) (kWh) gainGain Equal Wings 1°/15° 118,075 3,642   3.2% Asymmetrical Wings 3:11°/15° 120,243 5,810   5.1% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  114,335   (98) −0.1%Flat/Flat 0°/0°  114,433    0   0.0% Canopy Wing System AnglesProduction Azimuths 601 Angles AC/year kWh % NE (45°)/SW (225°) (NE/SW)(kWh) gain Gain Equal Wings 1°/15° 118,189 3,756   3.3% AsymmetricalWings 3:1 1°/15° 120,400 5,967   5.2% Standard 5/5 5°/5°  114,315  (118) −0.1% Flat/Flat 0°/0°  114,433    0   0.0%

FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of the system equivalent to FIG. 1A,with a single vertical support 124 supporting each pair of transversesupports 110.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 withseparate vertical support structure 124 to support canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102.

FIG. 7D illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 withcomplex vertical support 701 to support canopy wing A 101 and anothervertical support 701 to support canopy wing B 102. The various complexvertical supports 701 may be side by side or at different locations inorder to adequately support canopy wings A and B (101, 102).

FIG. 7C illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 withcomplex vertical support structure 701 supporting canopy wing A 101 andsupporting canopy wing B 102, where the various embodiments of complexvertical support structure 701 overlap when seen from a section orperspective view. Complex vertical support structure 701 may compriseone piece of steel or other structural material that is bent, or maycomprise multiple pieces of steel or other structural material that arewelded, bolted or otherwise joined together.

FIGS. 8A-8G illustrate different embodiments of the assembly or system100 where the vertical support structure 124 and transverse supports 110vary in size, orientation, connection angle and method, form ofcurvature, and general design, and the canopy wings A 101 and canopywings B 102 also vary in their lengths L1 and L2.

FIG. 8D illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 whichcomprises a plurality of canopy wings A 101 of varying sizes attached toa plurality of vertical support structures 124 and transverse supports110 of varying heights, inclinations and other dimensions. The curvatureof transverse supports 110 each have a radius 801, all of which may bethe same or different.

FIG. 8G illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 whichcomprises vertical support structure 124 which are individually orjointly supported by horizontal base supports 802.

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system 100 whichinclude one or more pivots/hinges 901. Pivot/hinge 901 may beconstructed in a variety of ways which will be familiar to those skilledin the art. Pivot/hinge 901 allows for the adjustment of attached canopywings A and/or B (101, 102) throughout the year in order to increase theenergy output of the assembly or system 100, manage energy yields, windloads, snow loads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirementsand preferences. Adjustments may be performed manually or through theoperation of mechanical or motorized systems.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 whichcomprises one or more complex vertical supports 701 which arecantilevered to connect to pivot/hinge 901 and canopy wing A 101 andcanopy wing B 102. Each canopy wing incline angle A 105 and canopy wingincline angle B 106 may be adjusted individually and may or may not beequal in order to adjust the energy output of the assembly or system 100and also to incorporate specific site requirements, including windloads, sight lines, water capture, and other requirements andpreferences.

FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 whichcomprises vertical support structure 124 without cantileveringsupporting hidden transverse supports 110, which comprise part of canopywing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 and which in turn are attached topivot/hinge 901 to allow for the individual adjustment of canopy wingincline angle A 105 and canopy wing B incline angle 106.

FIG. 9C illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 with apivot/hinge 901 to which canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 areattached and in which canopy wing B 102 has a hinge interspersed withinit so that the portions of canopy wing B 102 can be adjusted at variousincline angles 903. Canopy wing A incline angle 105, canopy wing Bincline angles 106 and 903 are all adjustable and need not be equal. Inthis embodiment, canopy wing A incline angle 105 and canopy wing inclineangle 106 are adjusted so that canopy wing A 101 and a portion of canopywing B 102 form a flat surface at an incline of canopy wing A inclineangle 105 and the other portion of canopy wing B incline angle 903 isadjusted so that the other portion of canopy wing B 102 forms adual-incline structure.

FIG. 9E illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 whichcomprises three pivot/hinges 901, allowing portions of canopy wing A 101and canopy wing B 102 to adjust at various points and at various inclineangles 105, 106, 902, and 903. Each of the canopy wing incline angles105, 106, 902, and 903 may be the same or different to incorporatespecific site requirements, including energy yields, wind loads, sightlines, water capture, and other requirements and preferences.

FIG. 9F illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 where canopywing incline angle A 105 and canopy wing incline angle B 106 are bothequal to zero degrees so that a portion of canopy wing A 101 and aportion of canopy wing B 102 form a flat central area and the otherportions may be inclined or flat to incorporate specific siterequirements, including energy yields, wind loads, sight lines, watercapture, and other requirements and preferences.

FIGS. 10A-10K illustrate embodiments of assembly or system 100 withdifferent ways of inclination. FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate embodiments ofassembly or system 100 where canopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 maybe inclined along the axis of drainage cavity 121, perpendicular to theaxis of drainage cavity 121, and at an angle to the axis of drainagecavity 121 all of which serve to allow for a highly customizableinclination for the entire assembly or system 100 in order to improveenergy yields, facilitate water capture, increase safety, and meet theaesthetic and other requirements of the site.

FIGS. 10G-10K illustrate embodiments of assembly or system 100 wherecanopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102 may be rotated in the planeperpendicular to the axis of vertical support structure 124. Inaddition, any assembly or system 100 may be rotated in a combination ofall of the above described methods.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system 100 withvarious media or decorative elements. Various display elements may beincluded in the assembly or system 100 among others, end fascia displayelement 1101, side fascia display element 1102, transverse supportdisplay element 1103, vertical support display element 1104, centraldivider display element 1105, and ventral display element 1106.

FIG. 11C illustrates an embodiment of the assembly or system 100 witharray 113 and display element 1107. Any, all or some of the displayelements enumerated may contain advertising, decorative, display,photographic, lithographic, electronic, electrical, or other displaymaterials. The display elements allow the owner of the assembly orsystem 100 to customize the appearance of the system to suit siterequirements, customer preferences and other needs, while at the sametime creating the possibility of revenue generation via the sale of saiddisplay elements for advertising and the possibility of an enhancedparking experience by displaying pleasing images or useful information(e.g. weather conditions, traffic conditions, sporting scores, financialmarket information).

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate embodiments of array 113 consisting of arrayportions 122 where the array portions may or may not have decorative,advertising, display or other elements, and are subsequently arranged indifferent patterns. As noted above, such display elements areillustrated in, for example, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/077,851, filed Jul. 2, 2008, entitled “ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONALSYSTEM INVOLVING SOLAR ARRAYS AND VISUAL INDICIA AND METHODS FORMANUFACTURING THE SAME” and related U.S. application Ser. No. ______ andPCT Application No. ______, both entitled “SOLAR POWER GENERATIONDISPLAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SAME,” filed on the same dayas this application.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate embodiments of the assembly or system 100 withvarious lighting elements. Various lighting elements may be included inthe assembly or system 100 among others, end fascia lighting element1301, side fascia lighting element 1302, transverse support lightingelement 1303, vertical support lighting element 1304, central dividerlighting element 1305, and ventral lighting element 1306. Lightingelements may be metal halide, LED, halogen, incandescent, other lightingtechnology or any combination of several technologies. Lighting elementsare oriented to be downward facing or directed towards the canopy wingsA, B (101, 102) to reflect down and therefore do not add to lightpollution.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 which alsoincludes several alternative energy charging stations 1401 and 1403, andalternative fuel dispensing points 1402, and alternating- and/ordirect-current outlets or charging points 1503, all of which may or maynot be suspended from lateral support 1404, may be ground mounted,attached to the underside of a canopy wing A 101 or canopy wing B 102,and which connection and transmission elements may or may not be carriedinside cavity 111 inside a cavity element 115, or directly inside acavity element 115 where there is no cavity 111. The flexibility of theelements allows for one assembly or system 100 to provide for thecharging and dispensing of multiple fuel technologies at one point, suchas electrical charging, hydrogen generation, and hydrogen dispensing,and also to later incorporate additional technologies as they aredeveloped, so that vehicles 1405 of various technologies may all benefitfrom the availability of this and related embodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate embodiments of assembly or system 100 which maybe used in parks, gardens, playgrounds, corporate campuses,universities, schools, colleges, and other sites as previouslydescribed. These embodiments are designed to have a smaller footprintand simplified canopy wings A and B (101, 102), which may or may nothave a solid decking or membrane 118. FIG. 15A illustrates an embodimentof assembly or system 100 which comprises vertical support structure 124to which multiple transverse supports 110 are attached and which supportcanopy wing A 101 and canopy wing B 102. Column accessories 1501 areattached and may be elements including plants, planters, bird houses,bird feeders, wireless hubs or routers, loudspeakers and other elementsdepending on the preferences of the owner, the weather conditions of thesite, and local regulations. Seating 1502 may be circular aroundvertical support structure 124 or any other shape such as square,rectangular, triangular, and oval. Alternating- and/or direct-currentoutlets or charging points 1503 may also be available to allow for there-charging and powering of laptops, personal digital assistants, mobiletelephones, and other electrical or electronic devices.

FIG. 15B illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 withvertical support display elements 1103 and transverse support displayelements 1104, which may be decorative, advertising, reflect the name ofthe owner or campus, or other display information.

FIG. 15C illustrates an embodiment of assembly or system 100 withvertical support lighting element 1304, transverse support lightingelement 1303, and ventral lighting element 1306. Alternative embodimentsmay reflect a combination of lighting and display elements, accessories,and outlets/charging points.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate embodiments of assembly or system 100 whereseveral canopy wings A and B (101, 102) are joined together or placedadjacent and have one or more seating 1502 elements.

FIGS. 17A-17F illustrate embodiments of assembly or system 100 invarious groupings 1700 consisting of more than one assembly or system100, and illustrate different patterns of coverage that assembly orsystem 100 may provide over a particular site. Patterns of coverage maybe geometric, a design, lettering, or any preferred layout. FIG. 17Aillustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where each assembly or system100 covers one grouping of parking spaces 602.

FIG. 17B illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where each assemblyor system 100 covers a curving grouping of parking spaces 602.

FIG. 17C illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where each assemblyor system 100 covers a row of space which may be a park, garden, campus,parking space or other location.

FIG. 17D illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where the plan viewof the site shows the arrangement of systems 100 to reveal a shape ofcurved and straight boundaries.

FIG. 17E illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 which completelycovers the site.

FIG. 17F illustrates an embodiment of multiple groupings 1700 each ofwhich comprises multiple systems 100.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate embodiments of groupings 1700 with differentshapes for canopy wings A and B (101, 102), such as circular (FIG. 18A),triangular (FIG. 18B), hexagonal (FIG. 18C), and square or rectangular(FIG. 18D). FIGS. 19A-19D illustrate embodiments of groupings 1700. FIG.19A illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where each assembly orsystem 100 consists of support structure 107, canopy wing A 101, canopywing B 102, with canopy wing A incline angle 105 equal to canopy wing Bincline angle 106, where canopy wing A length L1 and L2 are equal, andwhich are placed adjacent to limit or eliminate rainfall between twoadjacent systems 100.

FIG. 19B illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where each assemblyor system 100 consists of support structure 107, canopy wing A 101,canopy wing B 102, with canopy wing A incline angle 105 and canopy wingB incline angle 106, where each assembly or system 100 is directlyadjacent or where each support structure 107 may or may not be ofvarying heights to provide a grouping 1700 with systems 100 ofalternating or otherwise varying heights.

FIG. 19C illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where canopy wing Alength L1 is not equal to canopy wing B length L2, and where supportstructure 107 is attached only to the transverse supports 110 of canopywing B 102.

FIG. 19D illustrates an embodiment of grouping 1700 where canopy wing Aincline angle 105 is equal to canopy wing B incline angle 106.

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrates embodiments of groupings 1700 similar to thatillustrated and explained with respect to FIGS. 19A-19D.

FIG. 21A illustrates a plan view of travel route 2101 such as a highway,road, railway, tramway, canal, river, walkway or other conduit fortransportation which has multiple groupings 1700 in and around it. Thegroupings 1700 can be used to provide shade, shelter and protection fromthe elements, generate electricity, carry transmission and distributionconduits and wires, and other uses. For example, groupings 1700 may beinstalled along the center median of a highway and also along eachshoulder of the same highway to generate electricity which isdistributed to the local utility grids, to capture water which ischanneled to local water systems for greywater usage or possiblefiltration, and to carry a variety of telephony, cable, media,electrical and other conduits to speed the expansion of the electricalgrid, quickly grow the reach of cable and telephony to rural and otherlocations, and generally improve the power and communicationsinfrastructure of the site.

FIG. 21B illustrates an elevation view of travel route 2101 withgroupings 1700 and travel vehicles 2102.

FIG. 21C illustrates a section view of travel route 2101 with groupings1700 and travel vehicles 2102.

FIG. 21D illustrates a section view of an alternate embodiment along arailway or tramway travel route 2101 with passenger and freight vehicles2103.

FIG. 22 illustrates a simplified system view of how cities 2202, towns,suburbs, exurbs, rural and other inhabited areas 2203, powertransmission and distribution systems, telecommunications network, cablenetwork, and other communications and alternative and conventional powergeneration facilities, power storage facilities, can all be linked bytravel routes 2101 where multiple groupings 1700 are installed. In thisway electricity generated at 2204 can be transmitted to cities 2202 andother inhabited regions 2203 using existing transmission facilities andalso using transmission networks that can be quickly deployed as part of1700. In addition, electricity generated by groupings 1700 can be tiedinto existing transmission networks, distributed by new transmissionnetworks deployed with 1700 or fed in part or in whole directly toprivate or public locations without first going through a utility-ownednetwork. Incline angles 105 and 106 may be varying throughout thegroupings 1700 or may be fixed at angles which provide a consistentlyhigh yield regardless of orientation, for example each 105 and 106 setequal to 5°.

FIG. 23 illustrates a method 2300 for developing and designing agrouping 1700 or individual assembly or system 100. FIG. 23 shows aninitial step of determining site specifics 2300A which may includegeographic location, orientation/azimuth of the desired grouping 1700 orassembly or system 100, altitude, and other data points, preferences andregulations, a second step 2300B of determining of system size, canopyincline angles 105, 106 and system output based on previously determinedsite specifics, further variables 2300C and other necessary inputs. Athird step 2300D is shown of determining canopy wing A, B 101, 102dimensions L1, L2, and linear feet of total assembly or system 100 orgrouping 1700, and also the number of vertical supports 124 which willbe required, based on input variables 2300E. A fourth step 2300F isshown of determining the physical layout of the assemblies or systems100 or groupings 1700 on the installation site, of determining the finalsystem size, recalculating the system output and determining the numberof photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic thin film or quantity of otherenergy producing material required based on input variables 2300G. Afifth step 2300H of constructing the assembly or system 100 or grouping1700 is followed by an installation 2300J and testing 23001 which mayiterate until installation is complete and functional. Lastly, amanagement system overview 2300K is provided to familiarize the clientwith the full installation, and is then followed by remote management ofthe system 2300L to monitor energy production, change display media asrequired, determine maintenance requirements, and other monitoring asnecessary.

Illustrative Example

Client has requested a 1 megawatt (MW) system for their site in Newark,N.J. Parking aisles run southeast/northwest (therefore cars are parkedfacing northeast and southwest). Client requests the system be able towithstand a wind load of 90 mph and a snow load of 30 lbs. per squarefoot. In addition, the client requests an asymmetric dual-inclinestructure where the ratio of the canopy wings is 3:1 (i.e., one set ofwings may be 30 feet from center to outside edge and the other set ofwings may be 10 feet form center to outside edge. The actual dimensionswill be calculated in this example.). Client also requests steeldecking, drainage connected to a set of cisterns, and that the wholesystem be connected to the client's electrical system. Client hasspecified Suntech 220 panels. Client also requests their corporate logobe placed on the central divider, end fascia and side fascia of eachcanopy, and the division name be placed on the transverse supports.Lastly, the client requests that all system output calculations beperformed using PV Watts Version 1 (available athttp://www.nrel.gov/rredc/pvwatts/version1.html).

Given the panels requested by the client, the large canopies will havestrips of 8 panels running from the center cavity to the outside edge,and the small canopies will have strips of 4 panels. The exact systemsize is therefore 1.0056 megawatts. The small canopies will beapproximately 13.5 feet from center to edge and the large canopies willbe approximately 27 feet. Using spacing of 32 feet from the center ofone vertical support to the next results in a requirement of 59 columnsin total for the system. The site layout is such that 3 systems of 15columns and 1 system of 14 columns will be laid out.

Given a system size of 1 megawatt, and knowing that the canopies willtilt north-east and south-west, and further knowing that the south-westfacing canopies will contain three times as many panels as thenorth-east facing canopies, PV Watts Version 1 is used to calculate thesystem production. Using the data from PV Watts shows that thesouth-west facing canopies should be inclined to 15° (furtherinclination increases output, but with decreasing benefits for eachadditional degree of inclination and requires additional engineering andconstruction costs). Using the data from PV Watts as shown previously inTable 1, shows that the north-east facing canopies should be inclined to1° (no inclination would be slightly better, but in order to capture thesafety and water reclamation benefits of the dual-incline system, aminimum of 1° is suggested). Total system output will be 1,064,763kilowatt-hours (kWh).

At this point the manufacturing, transportation, labor, and parts ordersmay be initiated to prepare for installation and operation of theassembly or system.

As employed herein, those of skill in the art of solar power generationwill recognize distinctions between the phrases array, cell, module,amorphous, and crystalline. However, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art, that when viewed in the particular exemplarycircumstance the use of array or module or cell may be interchangedwithout restriction or confusion.

In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described or suggested herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptationsmay be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A method for providing a solar power generationassembly comprising: providing a dual-incline structure comprising: afirst array comprising energy producing material and a second arraycomprising energy producing material; and a first support column, asecond support column, a first support beam, a second support beam, athird support beam, and a fourth support beam, wherein: the firstsupport column and the second support column each comprising (i) a firstend that is coupled to a ground surface, (ii) a first length thatextends substantially vertically from the ground surface, and (iii) asecond opposing end, the first and second support columns positioned ina first plane; the first support beam, the second support beam, thethird support beam, and the fourth support beam each comprising (i) asupport beam end and (ii) an opposing support beam end; the support beamend of the first support beam is coupled to the second opposing end ofthe first support column, the first support beam is positioned at afirst angle formed between the first support beam and the first supportcolumn; the support beam end of the second support beam is coupled tothe second opposing end of the second support column, the second supportbeam is positioned at the first angle formed between the second supportbeam and the second support column; the first array is positioned on thefirst support beam and the second support beam, the first array ispositioned in a second plane with respect to the first plane forming alongitudinal axis and at the first angle defined by the first supportbeam and the second support beam, and the first array is fixed inposition such that the first array is non-adjustable upon installation;the support beam end of the third support beam is coupled to the secondopposing end of the first support column, the third support beam ispositioned at a second angle formed between the third support beam andthe first support column; the support beam end of the fourth supportbeam is coupled to the second opposing end of the second support column,the fourth support beam is positioned at the second angle formed betweenthe fourth support beam and the second support column; the opposingsupport beam ends of the third and fourth support beams positionedhigher from the ground surface than the support beam ends of the thirdand fourth support beams; the second array is positioned on the thirdsupport beam and the fourth support beam, the second array is positionedin a third plane with respect to the first plane, the third plane isdifferent than the second plane, the second plane and the third planeintersect at the longitudinal axis, the second array is positioned atthe second angle defined by the third support beam and the fourthsupport beam, and the second array is fixed in position such that thesecond array is non-adjustable upon installation; the second angle isgreater than 90 degrees; and the first angle is not the supplement ofthe second angle; constructing the dual-incline structure comprising:erecting the first support column and the second support column;connecting the first support beam and the second support beam directlyor indirectly to the first support column; connecting the third supportbeam and the fourth support beam directly or indirectly to the secondsupport column; mounting the first array directly or indirectly to thefirst support beam and the second support beam; and mounting the secondarray directly or indirectly to the third support beam and the fourthsupport beam.